The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) held its national convention in Abuja, drawing top political figures including Peter Obi and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. The gathering aimed to address internal party matters such as zoning, ratification of an amended constitution, and the election of national executives. The event follows a wave of defections from other parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
On Tuesday, at least 17 members of the House of Representatives switched allegiance to the NDC from the ADC. Their defection was formally declared during plenary proceedings in the National Assembly. Among those who defected are Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande, and Munachim Umezuruike. Others include Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene, Murphy Omoruyi, and Abdulhakeem Ado.
Obi and Kwankwaso officially joined the NDC on Sunday after a closed-door meeting with party leaders. They were presented with membership cards in the presence of supporters. Senator Seriake Dickson, former Governor of Bayelsa State and national leader of the NDC, welcomed them into the party. Obi, who ran for president in 2023 under the Labour Party (LP), had moved to the ADC in December 2025 before leaving again. He cited internal crises, external interference, and a hostile political environment as reasons for his departure from the ADC.
Obi described Nigeria's political atmosphere as toxic, marked by intimidation, insecurity, and intense scrutiny. He stated that institutions meant to protect citizens now often work against them. The convention is seen as a critical step in consolidating the NDC's new leadership and structure ahead of future elections.
Peter Obi condemns political toxicity while joining a party now crowded with recent defectors from multiple parties. His move to the NDC, after leaving the ADC less than two months after joining, undermines his claim of fleeing instability. The rapid reshuffling of lawmakers into the NDC suggests party loyalty is secondary to political positioning. This pattern offers voters little assurance of lasting change or principled leadership.
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